CA 125 is considered a high molecular weight glycoprotein, which is an antigen. It originates from derviates in the coelomic epithelium of the fetal tissue and is present normally in the tissue of the endometrium, mucinous and serous uterine fluid. It does not enter the bloodstream, with the exception of cases of destruction of natural barriers.
The concentration in serum can double during the menstrual period, especially against the background of endometriosis. The tumor marker CA 125 can be increased during the first trimester of pregnancy. A slight increase in a healthy woman is due to its synthesis in the pleural, abdominal cavity, bronchial epithelium, pericardium, fallopian tubes; in men, by synthesis in the epithelium of the testes.
The tumor marker specific CA 125 allows the detection of tumor metastases six months before the onset of clinical manifestation (manifestation). This fact makes it possible to evaluate the therapeutic effect in the treatment of the disease.
The tumor marker CA 125 is of great importance in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The analysis is based on the identification of an increased concentration of antigens in the blood. These specific substances indicate the development of the tumor. These antigens include some hormones, enzymes, decay products of the neoplasm, and others.
Analysis for Oncomarker specific CA 125
The norm of the indicator is 35 u / ml. An increase in the level during remission (attenuation) is considered the basis for a deeper examination of the patient in order to identify recurrence of the pathology. A constant increase in values indicates a progressive course of the tumor process and an adverse reaction to the treatment.
Analysis for tumor marker CA 125 has a low specificity. According to statistics, a twofold increase in its level in blood serum, especially in patients over fifty-five years of age, has a reliable indication of the development of ovarian cancer.
There must be at least eight (preferably, of course, at least twelve) hours between taking the sample and the last meal. You can not drink tea, juice or coffee. Allowed to consume water.
An increased serum antigen indicates cancer:
- in the pancreas, mammary gland;
- ovaries, endometrium, uterus, fallopian tubes ;
- liver, stomach, rectum;
- lungs;
- other malignant neoplasms.
A significant increase in indicators is noted for tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, mammary gland and bronchi. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately diagnose cancer based only on CA 125 analysis. As a result, more research is needed.
A slight increase in CA 125 can be observed with benign gynecological neoplasms, as well as inflammatory processes involving appendages. Diseases and conditions accompanied by a slight increase in antigen levels include:
- ovarian cyst;
- endometriosis;
- inflammation in the appendages;
- pleurisy, peritonitis;
- STI;
- menstruation;
- cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis;
- chronic pancreatitis;
- some autoimmune diseases.
With the development of benign tumors, as well as inflammatory processes, the oncomarker CA 125 is not higher than 100 units / ml. Observations in this case are important in assessing the therapeutic effectiveness of the treatment methods used, as well as in the preclinical detection of recurrence of endometriosis.
CA 125 is considered an oncomarker of serous carcinoma in the ovary. Its indicator of 150-200 units / ml indicates involvement in the pathology of the serous membranes. It is important to monitor its concentration in assessing the effectiveness of surgical intervention and chemotherapy. In the case of a removed uterus, its blood count drops to ten units per milliliter. An increase to 35 u / ml indicates a relapse of the process.